Veteran defenseman Chris Wideman announced his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday after six seasons.

Wideman, 34, sat out last season due to a back injury. The unrestricted free agent last played with the Montreal Canadiens in 2022-23, recording six assists and a career high 81 penalty minutes in 46 games.

"After much thought, I have decided it is best for my health and my family to retire from playing hockey professionally," Wideman said in a statement posted by the Canadiens. "I made numerous attempts at rehabilitation, therapy and many different treatments, but eventually it became apparent that returning to the game I love would not be possible."

Wideman totaled 78 points (20 goals, 58 assists) in 291 career games with the Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers and Canadiens. He was selected by the Senators in the fourth round of the 2009 NHL draft.

"I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to live out my childhood dream of playing in the National Hockey League," Wideman said. "I'm not sure yet how I'll manage to stay close to the game that I love, but as I did with everything else in my career, I know I'll find a way."